Finding a good mortgage lender is about more than just finding the best rate (although that is pretty important!) You need someone who will work FOR you and WITH you every step of the way, to make sure you not only get the right product for you, but that you understand the process and all the options. They help you work your largest debt–and asset–into the rest of your life. Think of this as a long-term relationship.When it comes to finding a mortgage, Our advice is usually to go to see at least two people:

  • Your own bank. They already know you, you likely already have a relationship with them, and they have your information, so it’s easy…plus they want to keep more of your business! If you don’t like your own bank (don’t worry, you aren’t alone), below you’ll find the contact information for the people we trust at RBC and TD.
  • A mortgage broker. A broker will shop you as a client out to various lenders to try to get you the best rate and fit for you. Plus it doesn’t cost you anything since they are paid a commission by the lenders.

Here are our trusted lender partners:

Michael Neal, North Power Mortgages 

647-347-4100 | michael@northpowermortgages.ca

Nancy Balsamo, HSBC Bank Canada 

905-264-0413 | nancy_balsamo@hsbc.ca

Olena Vus, Outline Financial 

416-799-1152 | olena@outline.ca

 



Having the right real estate lawyer is something many people don’t put much thought into. The importance of having someone that knows what they are doing–specifically in real estate and in Toronto–can’t be underestimated. In our experience, there are a thousand little things (and a few big ones) that can go wrong in a real estate transaction. Considering this is likely the most expensive purchase you’ll ever make, is this the time to take a chance? When the #@%$ hits the fan, you’ll be happy you didn’t pick your lawyer off of Craigslist just to save a few bucks.

Here are our most trusted lawyers:

 

Mitch Korman | Korman & Co
416-465-4232 | mitch@kormancompany.com

David Feld | Feld | Kalia
(416) 203-6347 | info@wearelaw.ca

Max Cohen | Cohen Barristers & Solicitors
(416) 380-7551 | mcohen@cohenlaw.ca

Robert Pollock | Pollock and Pollock
(416) 488 5323 ext. 29 | pollockandpollock@rogers.com

In Hamilton:
Tyler Banham | Hometown Law
www.hometownlaw.ca | tyler@hometownlaw.ca

 


No matter if you own a condo or a house, you’re bound to need professional help at some point. As a BREL client, you’ll have access to our preferred network of reliable home pros for life. We have access to some of Toronto’s best cleaners, movers, electricians, plumbers and handymen. Here’s just a sampling of the  people we trust:

Electrical

Kiya Sunrise Electrical – Kia Daliri
416-616-4044  | daliri_k@yahoo.com

In our experience, Kiya is extremely efficient at dealing with that old Toronto house that needs all that pesky knob & tube replaced. He comes complete with a big crew, so it will feel like you’re surrounded by electricians on every floor, but it’ll be done faster than you can imagine.

Waterproofing, Drains and Plumbing

New Canadian Drain and Plumbing 
416-651-2990

These are the go-to guys for drains (including that camera inspection your home inspector told you was a good idea) as well as major plumbing such as water main replacement. They have replaced old drains in both our own houses as well as those of some of our clients; as well as the original lead water supply lines with shiny new (non-toxic!) copper. They also water-proofed our last house. On-time and on-budget. Super fast free quotes and super fast professional work.

Masonry and Brick Repair

Wilkens Masonry
416-425-8055 | info@wilkens.ca

Remember how your home inspector said you need to parge, repoint and re-do the tuckpointing? These are the guys you call.

Home Inspectors

Carson Dunlop
416-964-9415 | inspection@carsondunlop.com

Carson Dunlop is the last word in Toronto home inspections. We have worked with many individual inspectors over the years, but our favourites are Lee Reich and Joel Ishikawa…but it really is hard to go wrong.

Peter Yeates Home Inspections
416-422-1571 | peter@yeatesinspect.com

We always trust a Yeates home inspection.

Termite and Pest Control

Aetna Pest Control
416-469-4111
Aetna is the last word in Toronto termite control.  We call or see these guys every month. Their termite insurance is worth every penny when you need it.

Junk Removal 

1-800 Got Junk?



David Slack Insurance Brokers Ltd. | David Slack
416-992-6695 | david@davidslackinsurance.com Great personal contact for questions (like “can I get insurance for my home with knob and tube?”) A million times better than any call center.

 

Desjardins Insurance (Nick Konidis Insurance Agency) | Laila Kakish
Bus 416.740.9600 | laila.kakish@desjardins.com



Our list of preferred home professionals is long…if you don’t see what you need, feel free to get in touch or check out Homestars.ca. They are a one stop resource for any kind of home and renovation questions.